Hatfield, PA, October, 2013 – On October 4, 2013, The Rodon Group participated in a national event called Manufacturing Day. The purpose of the day is to highlight the importance of American manufacturing, American-made products, and their impact on our economy. The President and CEO of K’NEX Brands and The Rodon Group, Michael Araten, kicked-off the event with his insights into the importance of manufacturing to the United States economy. “A strong economy requires four core elements; energy, defense, food and manufacturing. When you make your own products, you control you own destiny. Advanced manufacturing is alive, well and growing here in Pennsylvania and around the country.”
John Grant, Manager of Government Affairs for SPI, The Plastics Industry Trade Association, spoke about their sponsorship of the national event. Grant reinforced this message by saying “America still makes things. There is a misperception that we are solely a consumer nation. We can look around today and know that isn’t the case, and it is events like this that will help the rest of the country realize that truth.”
The Rodon Group was also joined by Don Rongione, CEO of Bollman Hats and founder of American Made Matters, a movement born from the desire to promote American manufacturing jobs and products. Rongione told the audience “Manufacturing has a more powerful job creating impact than any other industry. We need to raise awareness of this fact. So, on November 19th, we are launching American Made Matters Day to encourage consumers to buy at least one American-made product and show their support for American manufacturing.”
Following the speakers, groups were guided through the facility by company executives and were shown the design, tooling and manufacturing processes.
Manufacturing Day was conceived in 2012 by a group of industry and government organizations to promote American manufacturing careers and American-made products. Last year, approximately 200 manufacturers participated. This year the number topped 800. According to the Manufacturing Day website the event “empowers manufacturers to come together to address their collective challenges so they can help their communities and future generations thrive.”
The Rodon Group proudly took part in this important national event and confirm their continued commitment to creating world class products.
About The Rodon Group
The Rodon Group is an ISO 9001:2008 certified landfill-free, plastic injection molder. In business since 1956, The Rodon Group makes billions of parts each year in its 125,000 square foot facility. With over 105 injection molding presses, Rodon is one of the largest family-owned and operated plastic injection molders in the United States and serves a diverse group of industries including consumer products, medical, construction, pharmaceutical and toys. Since 1992, Rodon has manufactured over 30 billion parts for the K'NEX building toy system, and is a subsidiary of K'NEX Brands, L.P.